In this episode, we discuss Anaplasmosis with Dr. Hans Coetzee of Kansas State University. Anaplasmosis was first described in 1925 and has spread to all 48 contiguous US states. Anaplasmosis is classically spread through blook sucking parasites, primarily 17 different species of ticks. However, Dr. Coetzee has demonstrated that 6/10 animals will become infected if exposed to dirty needles, making mechanical transfer via infected equipment an important pathway for disease transmission. That study can be found here. 

Dr. Coetzee discussed the importance of the veterinarian consulting their clients on Anaplasmosis control and that different management strategies depend on the geographic location of the herd and if the herd is in an endemic area versus non-endemic area and if the herd is naïve or exposed. Using the PCR test for herd purchases for low prevalence areas is important to prevent introduction of the disease into naïve herds. 

In herd situations where the disease is not endemic, Dr. Coetzee discusses the importance of testing all at risk animals to determine the prevalence within the herd as well as identifying positive from negative animals to develop an appropriate treatment and control strategy. Veterinarians should understand the legalities of treating individual animals as well as understand there are four commercially available products for medicated feed to control anaplasmosis with chlortetracycline (CTC). Not all minerals are labeled for free choice feeding so using the appropriate product is important. Dr. Coetzee has published research on plasma-CTC concentrations which can be found here. He also discusses the challenges with vaccination and the lack of published data on Anaplasmosis vaccination efficacy. He continues to look at alternative vaccination strategies, including work on his previously published research on an ear implant vaccine which can be found at this link. 

Veterinarians are encouraged to work with clients to develop effective, economic, and legal Anaplasmosis testing, treatment, and control strategies. He encourages veterinarians to contact him with herd Anaplasmosis problems. Dr. Coetzee et al. have published two papers in the AABP Bovine Practitioner on the management and epidemiology of bovine Anaplasmosis in 2010 and 2012.